Editor’s Note: Manny, our Satire Editor, has written another great non-satirical concert review. That’s right: you are to take the following quite literally.
Returning to Toronto to perform at Generator, the science expo/TEDTalk/variety show created by Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield on January 10th, TWRP headlined at the Opera House with Rich Aucoin on January 11th before starting their Together At Last…Again United States tour with the Protomen.
Having seen TWRP for the first time back in July, I thought I was ready for what I was about to see when they returned. I thought I was ready after seeing a man in yellow spandex and a traffic cone-shaped helmet made his way onstage riding a hoverboard. I thought I was ready after seeing someone whip out a pair of nunchucks mid-song and display some legendary karate on-par with Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon. I thought I was prepared to handle for the sheer, overwhelming Ａ Ｅ Ｓ Ｔ Ｈ Ｅ Ｔ Ｉ Ｃ of it all. I was not.
The lights dimmed over a packed venue as Canadian indie artist and certified space cowboy Rich Aucoin moseys his way onstage wearing a silver jumpsuit and cowboy hat. Once in full swing, Rich spent a majority of time offstage, preferring dance and jump his way through the audience, making sure he made his way through the entire show floor by the end of his performance. For many including myself, this was their first time ever hearing his brand of indie rock. However, that didn’t stop the entire audience from jumping and singing along, as Rich kept the audience engaged and taught them their part before each song. Some of the highlights included a special guest appearance by TWRP bassist Commander Meouch to play The Other, a massive rainbow tarp that covered the entire audience (those on the upper floor too), and leading the crowd to a sing-along of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody to end the set.
TWRP brought a setlist substantially similar to their July performance, but still managed to provide a novel and entertaining show. Combining their 80’s synth-rock sound with their brand of over-the-top costumes, and stage antics, they provided a fantastically memorable show. From seeing someone in yellow spandex and a 2 foot tall helmet doing splits mid-air, to a guitar/keytar duel as the players spun around the state back-to-back on a pair of hoverboards, TWRP kept the audience cheering and in awe as they danced along to the beat.
However, highlight of that evening had to be their final encore song, where they were a surprise appearance was made by one of Generator’s special guests, Dr. Brian Wecht a.k.a Ninja Brian of Ninja Sex Party; a band that has frequently collaborated with TWRP. The theoretical physicist turned ninja nymphomaniac made his way on stage saxophone in hand to thunderous applause as he and lead the band through an incredibly soulful rendition of Feels Pretty Good.
All in all, it was an incredibly fun night filled with colour, positivity, and incredibly groovy music. I look forward to seeing how TWRP plans to top this experience next time.